Overview

• An angler in Costa Rica, Garvin Watson, caught, photographed and released the 6‑foot‑6‑inch nurse shark near Tortuguero National Park in August 2024.
• The Marine Biodiversity paper reports the first scientifically documented case of total xanthism in this species and the first record from the Caribbean Sea.
• Photos and video show white eyes with no visible irises, consistent with a form of albinism occurring alongside xanthism.
• The adult shark measured about 200 cm and was observed at a depth of 37 meters in roughly 31.2°C water.
• After the study’s release, the original images resurfaced online, while scientists noted environmental factors such as inbreeding, stress or hormonal imbalances could play a role.